Shark Bytes

Recently my 15-year old son came into my study and said, “Dad, the morning radio show said that the first Captain Kangaroo aired 53 years ago today.” Young Paul had heard me fondly mention the long running children’s television series. To baby boomers, CK is special indeed.
The Captain, played by Robert Keeshan (1927-2004), conceived the show, basing it on the warm relationship between children and grandparents. The moniker “Captain Kangaroo” was used because he always adorned an overcoat with kangaroo-like pouches. The Captain read stories to viewers, greeted guests, and dialogued with Mr. Green Jeans, Mr. Moose, Grandfather Clock, Mr. Baxter, Debbie the Newspaper Reporter, Dennis the Apprentice, and my personal favorite Mrs. Worm. The Captain would almost daily be showered by ping pong balls, thanks to Mr. Moose, and tricked out of carrots by the silent Bunny Rabbit.
How exacting it must have been for Keeshan to have that job every morning for almost 30 years. I cannot help believing that you, my Captain friend, are the one responsible for my eagerness to learn to write, read, and have such a love for books. Captain, we love you.

Don R. Vaughan, Ph.D. in Mass Communication

We were just talking about the actor who did "Herkimer the lonely doll". When I think of this particular actor, the Herkimer role is the one I will always associate him with, although most everyone else will associate him with another role, for which hs is most famous. The actor: Sterling Holloway, the "Other Role", the voice of Winnie the Pooh. For some reason, I guess because it was where I first heard his unique voice, but I always associate him with Herkimer.

NO one seemed to mention the song which was my mother's favorite "It's another be good to mother day so try to help in every way, you're the joy of her life her heart's bouquet so make it a be good to mother day. Be kind, be sweet, and don't forget to eat, Be kind , be good and do all the things you should. It's another be good to mother day so try to help in every way, you're the joy of her life her heart's bouquet so make it a be good to mother day. "
Also the song about Herkimer, the lonely doll.
And Today is Monday Today is Monday, Monday roast beef, Tuesday Green Beans etc.

I don't think this great little show EVER jumped the shark!! I always really enjoyed it. I had forgotten that Bob Keeshan passed away. he sure brought a lot of joy to a lot of people! Picture pages with Bill Cosby was always my favorite segment. and Mr. greenjeans was cool too!

Tommy Toothbrush

Who's in the bathroom, hanging on the wall
Waiting at attention, 'til you come to call?
Who's always ready, long, thin and tall?
Why, it's your friend, with the bristles on the end
Whooo? Tommy Toothbrush


There is a apparently another verse that my sister knows. I don't remember it from Captain Kangaroo, though I remember it from the show. It was apparently made popular in Vancouver B.C. kid's radio show sometime in the 50's.

The show was never the same after moving out of the Treasure House and into the Captains Place. The Captain no longer had the big pockets and wore a red suit instead.

What did Captain Kangaroo say to make the ping pong balls fall on his head?

This show and H. R. Puff N Stuff wouldn't fly today. They are not infomercials with a psychotically violent ***** game to go along with them.

I agree, an all inclusive best of the Captain DVD would be great! Especially with all the crappy tv shows they are putting on DVD now! Bring back HR Puff n Stuff too!

If there is ever a Captain Kangaroo DVD release, the PSA with Mr. Moose getting his shots should be included. When the Captain reminds Mr. Moose of all the diseases he could get if he didn't get innoculated, Mr. Moose yells, "I WANT MY SHOTS!" Classic. Of course, medical research has since revealed that childhood vaccinations are linked to autism, but what does the scientific community know?

Chris,

I honestly can't imagine that you're waiting with baited breath to see this thing released on DVD. You would seriously sit around and watch it? Why?

I have nothing against Bob Keeshan--this was a quite innocuous, albeit major, part of many kids' lives. But let's face it, in the early 60s (when I watched it), it was a way to give Mom (no daycare or stay-at-home-Dads in those days) a break from the kids. Nothing educational to speak of, certainly nothing offensive, it was a soporific pre-Benadryl.

So, no offense to the Captain. He did try to teach us manners (which many lack today). I guess I just think it could have been better--he could have led the Sesame Street era rather than be led by it.

I grew up watching this show in the mid 1970`s and really wish It would be released on DVD.
I have alot of great memories of The Captain, Mr. Green Jeans, Dennis, Mr. Moose, Bunny, The Town Clown, The Toothbrush Family, Slim Goodbody and the gang.

I remember the little people that lived behind the books! I loved that part of the show. I used to pretend I had little people in my bookshelves too. They did have thread spools and campbell soup cans for their "decor"... You aren't crazy afterall!

Don't think Marvo used any batteries at all.

I distinctly remember the commercial for Marvo the Mustang- can still hear the tune in my head.

Oh, Marvo, the Mustang
He's almost for real
Just saddle him up
With spurs on your heels
No winding
No batteries (small child's voice says, "What horse do?")
Marvo the Mustang, do we love you

Hee!

IIRC, this show aired on PBS from 1986-93, and it would air in either the morning or mid to late afternoon.
I know that WSBE (RI PBS) aired it at 9 AM right before Mr. Rogers.
(Not so sure if WGBH aired the Captain's reruns or did they bypass them)

I never realized that they were showing reruns of the last 7 years of programs (1977-84), mixed in with new segments hosted by Keeshan himself.

For some reason I have a faint memory of seeing this, Although I could tell that the Captain wanted to reclaim his glory days, and looked as if he didn't want to host a recap show of segments he already did years beforehand.

Otherwise, CK never jumped the shark!!!!!